DiagnosticsFoundation Trusts Welcome Inquiry Into Mid Staffordshire
The Department of Health announced there would be an independent investigation into Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust and has proposed changes to legislation governing Foundation Trusts.
Sue Slipman, Director of the Foundation Trust Network said:
"Foundation Trusts will welcome the independent inquiry into Mid-Staffs to hear evidence from patients and to identify lessons for the future. Foundation trusts are organisations striving to achieve the highest quality in the services they provide to patients and the public. The vast majority are already proving their worth both in terms of quality and financial integrity and they actively want foundation trust status to stand for quality in the public"s understanding.
"Our members will welcome the fact that ministers intend to give power to de-authorise foundation trusts to Monitor. We need to be clear about the way in which Monitor and the Care Quality Commission work together to ensure there is no confusion about decisions around quality in the regulatory system. The Foundation Trust Network looks forward to working with Monitor on the criteria that would lead to any de-authorisations under its new powers."
The Foundation Trust Network represents existing foundation trusts as well as acute and mental health trusts preparing for foundation status. It was established in June 2004 to represent the views of foundation trusts, to influence health policy and to share learning and good practice. The Network is hosted by the NHS Confederation.
The NHS Confederation